NASHVILLE SKYLINE: New Quiz Unveils Music’s Secrets

Well, boys and girls, it’s time to go back to school and back to work. To lively up those dormant, moribund, sodden brain cells of yours, here’s a little quiz to stretch your synapses. Google away, if you feel the need. Answers are below.

1. In announcing his All for the Hall benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Keith Urban listed many early musical influences on his life and career. They included Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Rabbitt, Glen Campbell and Charley Pride. They all share many characteristics but one is particularly unique — which Urban himself also shares. What is it?

A. They all express love and respect for country’s legacy.
B. They do not wear hats.
C. They are all excellent, seasoned musicians.
D. They all possess exquisite song sense.
E. None of them is from Nashville.

17. Now that the Beatles are back, put on your Fab Four thinking cap and ponder the group’s ties with Nashville and country. It’s well-known that the Beatles’ version of “Act Naturally” (sung by Ringo) was patterned after Buck Owens‘ original recording. Which of these songwriters co-wrote the song?

20. The Country Music Association has hired a new consulting firm/branding/marketing sort of outfit that will conjure up new campaigns to help the music industry along. They’ll probably come up with a new “brand” or slogan. See if you can remember the last slogan that the CMA adopted from a think tank to brand and market the music. It happened in 2001. Which one of these was it?

A. Country — Admit it. You like it.
B. Country — It’s pretty doggoned good.
C. Country — It’s people-pleasin’ music.
D. Country — The true voice of America
E. Country — It stands for us.
F. Country — Life set to music